As cyclists, most of us apply all manner of things to our skin before, during and after our rides. Here are a few we’re recently tried or found:
Skin Strong’s Slather chamois cream is a relatively slick, somewhat thin cream designed to reduce friction between your chamois and your sweet spot. They also say it’s good for preventing blisters on your feet. Most of my rides (Tyler) are between 1-2 hours and the product worked fine. Our resident triathlete Marisa tested it on longer rides and it left her wanting – she said it just didn’t last long enough.
For me, I like the lighter consistency because it doesn’t stick to you after the ride, washing off easily. There’s also no discernible cooling effect despite a pleasant, mild menthol aroma – good for winter. The formula is water based with a few good, natural sounding things like Cocoa Seed Butter, Aloe, Shea Butter, Honey and several oils. It also uses parabens, though, which I try to stay away from. If you don’t care about that, usually ride under two hours or just like something slick without being sticky, give it a shot. The 6oz jar retails for $9.99.
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Lehe Stuff (Lehe – pronounced lay-hay – means lips in Hawaiian) comes from the makers of Okole Stuff chamois cream, which we reviewed here. It’s an all natural lip balm with a minty scent and flavor made up of Castor Oil, Castor Wax, Certified organic jojoba oil, Certified organic beeswax, Caffeine, Certified organic essential oil of peppermint, Certified organic essential oil of spearmint, Green tea extract, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E and Rosemary extract. They claim the lips are one of the most absorbent parts of the body and Caffeine, Green Tea Extract and B12 provide a boost quickly when applied there.
I can’t say that it’s gotten me jacked up, but it feels good and seems to keep my kisser from getting chapped. The only thing I’d add would be sunscreen, an obvious boon for cyclists.
Leg Lube is a new shave gel that says “one bead is all you need” and claims to be so slippery you can shave out of the shower.
We haven’t tried it yet, but samples are en route. The bottle is the same style used for some popular chain lubes, so they say it won’t leak and is TSA friendly. Ingredients include Glycerin, Aloe, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Peppermint and Eucalyptus oils. It’s Paraben free with no colors or dyes. 3.4oz is $8.95.
